3 dream scenarios for Commanders during 2022 season

1. Carson Wentz Earns Another Year

As we noted in yesterday’s article, Carson Wentz has zero guaranteed money remaining on his contract, meaning the Commanders could release him and save over $26 million in salary cap space while incurring $0 in dead money. That would allow for a seamless transition to another quarterback next offseason, but the ideal scenario is Wentz exceeds expectations and earns another year in Ashburn.

While Wentz isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Washington can’t afford to keep cycling through quarterbacks. It’s in the team’s (and locker room’s) best interest if the franchise established some semblance of stability at the position. Think about how Terry McLaurin must feel seeing nine different starters under center over his three seasons. He’d never admit it publicly, but it has to bug him to some extent.

Wentz is incredibly likable and he’s largely been a serviceable quarterback in his career, save the anomaly that was 2020 and the last few games of 2021. And let’s be honest, the injuries to the Eagles’ offensive line and the team’s lowly receiving corps (remember Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham?) did him zero favors.

If Wentz performs consistently this season, his $20 million base salary for next campaign would rank 10th at the position and it’ll likely rank lower with Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow and potentially Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield if he impresses in Carolina all next in line for contract extensions.

Considering all of the draft capital and Wentz’s 2022 salary ($28 million) the Commanders absorbed to acquire Wentz, it’s in everyone’s best interest if the 29-year-old earns a second season with the organization.